Dancing for joy: Los Mejicas dance troupe provides a home away from home

Student News

Paola Gomez was eager to leave East LA to study film and environmental studies at UC Santa Cruz. But homesickness hit hard during her first quarter on campus. "I was really struggling. There were a lot of times I wanted to go home," recalled Gomez, whose neighbors were predominantly Mexican American and Central American. "My household speaks Spanish at home, and not hearing that here was hard. I had culture shock."All of that changed winter quarter, when Gomez discovered Grupo Folklorico Los Mejicas, a student-run dance troupe that celebrates the regional music, dances, and traditions of Mexico. "I'd never done it before, but I wasn't the only one without dance experience," said Gomez. "At first I was so lost, but I stuck around and gave it a chance. It was more than dance. Everyone was willing to help me out. I saw I wasn't the only one who needed a home away from home."Today, Gomez, a second-year Porter College student, is one of 51 members of Los Mejicas. The troupe meets three days a week and performs regularly on campus and for elementary and high school students, festivals, and special events hosted by organizations like the Museum of Art and History in Santa Cruz County and beyond. Gomez coordinates the group's events and puts in an extra three hours or so of practice each week ("To grow as a dancer, you have to practice outside the class," she said). Students can earn two credits per quarter, or they can dance just for fun. Last fall, Gomez was happy to welcome new members. "I reassured them we're all here for each other," she said. "We all teach each other." One senior confided that she wished she had heard about Los Mejicas earlier."Mejicas provides a safe space. It's like a second family," said Olga Najera-Ramirez, professor emeritus of anthropology, who ...

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